I blame the arthritis in my hand. I was in The Bridewell Tearoom at Wymondham Heritage Museum when, to the embarrassment of my wife and granddaughter, I failed in the simple task of transferring some milk from a small jug to my mug of coffee. Coming to my rescue with a cloth was Laura, who was doing a shift behind the counter.

Laura Osadciw – pronounced Oh-sad-sea -is one of our wonderful volunteers. She is third-generation Ukrainian. Add to the mix that her mother is American, and it is not surprising that she has a wide-ranging interest in history. She is currently doing a PhD on the subject, and also has a long history with museums.

“I’ve always loved history, says Laura. “I first volunteered at museums and the National Trust. Aged nine, I was helping at the Elizabethan House and Toll House museums in Yarmouth. I did group visits, and they had me in costume for events. I also did an internship at the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg. Covid lockdown prevented me from going, but I was able to do it online, and I contributed to their International Festival.”

So how did Laura wind up volunteering at Wymondham Heritage Museum?

“I lived in London for seven years; I was at King's College. I had no intention of leaving London, but I went home to my parents on the Broads during lockdown. During Covid, I met my partner, G, online. When we decided this was it, we looked for a house in Norfolk together. G knew Wymondham, and when we came across an old cottage in the town, we fell in love with it. We found a home like no other.”

The cottage is a stone’s throw from the museum. Having lived there for only two weeks, Laura dropped an email to see about volunteering.

“I started doing two shifts a month. Then I took over the social media. Then I joined the committee. Now I’m here a lot!”

Indeed she is. With Sarah Standley, last month’s featured volunteer, Laura is co-vice chair and vice-display manager. She also manages events and social media. Plus, like many of the volunteers, if a shift needs covering, she will help out with stewarding or in the Tearoom, as she was doing when she witnessed my milk malfunction.

Laura has been the driving force behind a number of the displays, especially wartime exhibitions. These include ‘The Friendly Invasion’, documenting the arrivals of the Americans in Wymondham; ‘Echoes of Valour’, marking VE Day and VJ Day; and the recreated Anderson Shelter. She throws herself wholeheartedly into these types of projects.

“I’m not good at moderation,” she admits. “I can’t eat one digestive; I have to eat the packet. I love the research, and I’m creative. I love dressing up for events. The museum volunteers are an amazing community. I’ve made some of the best friends I’ve ever had. I’m so proud of the museum. Every word that’s been written, everything here comes from someone in or around Wymondham.”

Another volunteer who pops into the museum once a year is gearing up for his annual visit. The Easter Bunny will be organising the Easter event, which runs throughout the school holiday, from Saturday 28th March to Monday 13th April. He’s arranged for free entry for children plus free squash for them in the Tearoom. The cunning rabbit is laying a trail around the museum with prizes for children who complete it. Also in the Tearoom, he’s setting up a children’s craft table for children and organising some special homemade Easter bakes.

For more details and how to join Laura and her fellow volunteers, go to thewhm.org.uk.